September 28 2007

This new round of toy recalls brings the total number of lead-based recalls in 2007 to 50 -- more than double the recalls recorded in any previous year. On one hand, it's good because companies are now vigilant about the quality of their toys. On the other hand, shouldn't they have been more vigilant in the first place?

Last week Mattel apologized to China, saying that the "vast majority of those products that were recalled were the result of a design flaw in Mattel's design, not through a manufacturing flaw in China's manufacturers." They also said that its lead-related recalls were ''overly inclusive, including toys that may not have had lead in paint in excess of the U.S. standards.''

Let's pause here for a moment to wonder why ANY amount of lead would be acceptable in children's toys.

Apologies and recalls aren't enough. We need to make sure that our products are safe from the get-go, which is why we are increasing our efforts to make products safer and government monitoring more robust. Let me know if and how you are willing to help.

Items recalled in the last two weeks

    -Additional Thomas and the Wooden Train Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
    -Target Recalls Children's Toy Gardening Tools and Chairs Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard  
    -Knights of the Sword Toys Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard   
    -Children's Toy Rakes sold at Jo-Ann Fabric Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
    -Children's Puppet Theater Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard   
    -Children's Spinning Wheel-Metal Necklaces Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
    -TOBY N.Y.C. Expands Children's Metal Jewelry Recall Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
    -Kolcraft Recalls Play Yards
    -1 Million Simplicity Cribs Recalled Due to Failures Resulting in Infant Deaths

U.S. PIRG's Ed Mierzwinski's most recent toy/child-related blogs

Chicago Tribune investigation apparently lead to crib recall
    According to the Chicago Tribune, their investigation led to the recall of 1 million Simplicity Cribs, even though the company and the CPSC knew about the problem following the 2005 death of infant Liam Jones.

Crib recall shows bigger weaknesses than money at CPSC
    U.S. PIRG's Ed Mierzwinski sharply criticized Mattel for blaming China for its problems in his blog several weeks ago.

Mattel Apologize to China for Recalls
    Mattel apologizes and takes the blame for design flaws in recalled toys and in recalling more lead-tainted toys than justified. U.S. PIRG's Ed Mierzwinski called on them to do so in his blog several weeks ago.